Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. received the franchise tag ahead of the Tuesday deadline and would make $17.3 million for the 2024 season if he doesn’t reach agreement on a long-term deal with Tampa Bay before July 17.
Entering the offseason with a slew of contract matters to address, Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said last week that Winfield was a high priority in a pecking order that no longer includes re-signed receiver Mike Evans.
“I mean, if we can re-sign Mike (Evans) and Baker (Mayfield) and Lavonte (David), Chase (McLaughlin), Antoine (Winfield Jr.) and Tristan (Wirfs), I mean, we should be throwing another boat parade,” Licht said of his free agency to-do list.
Winfield was named All-Pro in 2023 with 122 tackles, six sacks, six forced fumbles and three interceptions.
Evans signed a two-year, $56 million extension with the Buccaneers on Monday.
Mayfield becomes the top priority with both sides stating they’re interested in sticking together coming off a division title and playoff appearance in 2023. The clock is ticking on Licht to find the financial leverage to retain Mayfield before the league year begins March 13.
